Wales beat the All Blacks for first time since 1953

Wales have beaten New Zealand in a men's rugby union match for the first time in 73 years.

The Welsh side beat the All Blacks 35-28 to end a run of 34 successive losses since their 13-8 win in Cardiff on 19 December 1953.

Tries from Tomos Williams, Dewi Lake, Archie Griffin, Eddie James and Louis Rees-Zammit helped them to victory in the epic Nations Championship clash at Cardiff's Principality Stadium.

It is the first time in history that Wales have scored five tries against New Zealand, but it was ultimately heroic defensive work that denied the visitors.

There were incredible scenes of celebration in the crowd of just over 55,000 people - and on the field, with players in tears.

Speaking on ITV, Wales back row James Botham, the man of the match, said: "I can't even describe the emotions. 1953 was the last time we beat the All Blacks.

"It's come from belief. The crowd was behind us - I just want to thank the energy and the noise behind us - you were unbelievable.

"It shows how tight we are as a group. It would be rude not to have a celebration tonight."

Wales made a stunning start, going ahead after just 80 seconds following Rees-Zammit's first touch of the ball, as he kicked over the top of New Zealand's defence for Williams to score.

Sam Costelow converted to open up a 7-0 lead, and first-half tries from Lake and Griffin - also converted by Costelow - put Wales in charge.

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But New Zealand clawed it back to 21-21 by half-time, as Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi and Fehi Fineanganofo all touched down, with Richie Mo'unga scoring three conversions.

The home side went back in front only four minutes after the break, this time through James, then Rees-Zammit scored, putting Wales 14 points ahead for the third time, as Costelow maintained his 100% conversion rate.

New Zealand responded with a Peter Lakai try and Mo'unga conversion in the 53rd minute, then laid siege.

But the All Blacks were held up over the line three times during an immense Welsh rearguard, with their defenders making a total of 346 tackles by the end of the game.

"A hell of a defensive effort from them," New Zealand coach Dave Rennie said. "They were excellent tonight."

(c) Sky News 2026: Wales beat the All Blacks for first time since 1953